This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com

Ontario makes bold promise on autism treatment: Editorial

After decades of advocacy, parents across the province are finally getting overdue changes to government services for children on the autism spectrum.

Children and Youth Services Minister Michael Coteau announces details of the new Ontario autism program on June 8, 2017. (Bernard Weil / Toronto Star) | Order this photo

By Star Editorial Board

Thu., June 8, 2017

The new Ontario autism program will give all children under 18 years of age diagnosed with the developmental disorder access to the treatment they require when they need it.

It’s about time. Parents across the province have for decades been advocating for changes to services for children on the autism spectrum.

Yesterday’s announcement by Michael Coteau, the minister of Youth and Childhood Services, puts parents at the centre of the decision-making when it comes to their children.

In the past, many young people were deemed too severely autistic or too highly functional to be eligible for provincially funded intensive behavioural treatment. And many were even considered too old. Those who fell into these categories could get only limited behaviour therapy a few hours a week.

Making things worse, in March 2016, the government lowered the age cap in an effort to cut wait times and ensure treatment for children 5 years old and under, when it is most effective. Advocates had long called for an end to wait-lists, but not by simply kicking older kids off, many of whom had already been waiting for years.

Article Continued Below

When Coteau took over his portfolio in September, many parents were understandably frustrated and infuriated. The new minister said he was listening and acknowledged the system needed a “massive change.” Yesterday he set about implementing it.

This new $533-million program, which will start June 26 and roll out over the next year, will put the children at the forefront.

First, it will be inclusive. The age, severity of autism symptoms and the presence of coexisting diagnoses will no longer affect the eligibility for therapy.

Second, it will have a human touch. Each child’s treatment needs will be determined by a licensed clinician, not cold and blunt program guidelines or funding availability.

Third, parents will be able to hire qualified therapists or choose government services. Both will be funded. Also Coteau said the current wait-lists will not be compromised and services will be provided as close to home as possible.

Now that the ministry has come up with a program that parents can support, it needs to focus on a smooth roll-out. Details such as deciding how to work through an expanding wait-list, how much treatment each child needs and providing enough therapists to serve everyone all need to be carefully considered and implemented.

There are about 40,000 children and youth with autism in Ontario. They deserve to have the opportunity to live to their greatest potential. This inclusive new program is a good start.

More from the Toronto Star & Partners

LOADING

Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or distribution of this content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. To order copies of Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com